What Should Women Wear to Court?

What Should Women Wear to Court?

Whether or not you’ve been to court before, appearing for your own hearing can be nerve-wracking. Knowing what to wear and how to compose yourself can help ease your nerves and keep you feeling as comfortable as possible. Rideout Law Group recommends following these general guidelines.

However, women tend to have a much broader array of clothing options than men do and can leave them feeling confused or overwhelmed when it comes to appropriate appearance.

Women’s Clothing

Women attending court are encouraged to dress in conservative “casual formal” attire. It is important to be comfortable and not constricted, such as may be caused by formal dresses and/or skirts. Courts may vary in temperature, so outfits that are heavy or can cause overheating are not recommended. The following garments are recommended for women to wear to court:

• A nice blouse.
• Nice dark-denim jeans, without holes or cutoffs.
• Tailored pants or trousers.
• Well-fitting professional skirts or dresses that are at least knee-length.
• Solid colored garments or simple and conservative patterns (i.e. pinstripes).
• A sweater or blazer to layer in cooler temperatures.

The following items should not be worn to court:

• Low cut and/or tight tops.
• Short and/or tight skirts or dresses.
• Tops that expose your midriff.
• Bright, flamboyant colors.
• Garments with graphics, logos, or content that is aggressive, offensive, controversial, or drug-referencing.
• Tops, pants, or skirts that allow undergarments to be visible, whether standing or sitting.
• Light-wash denim.
• Sunglasses.
• Hats.
• Clothing with rips, cutoffs, frays, holes, stains, or wrinkles.

Women’s Footwear

Court appearances, especially those in superior courts, often require a lot of walking. You may find yourself walking long distances through parking garages, parking lots, and through multi-level buildings. Accordingly, all footwear should be sensible. Women are encouraged to wear:

• Loafers.
• Flats.
• Low-heeled, conservative boots.
• Low-heeled pumps.

Women should not wear shoes that are difficult to walk in or are not conservative in nature, including:

• High heels or stilettos.
• Flip flops or other casual sandals.
• Crocs or similar.
• Athletic sneakers.
• Brightly colored shoes.

Women’s Accessories, Tattoos, and Piercings

As with their clothing, women should err on the conservative side when it comes to accessories, tattoos, and piercings.

Tattoos and piercings are acceptable, but those that display offensive, controversial, aggressive, or have marijuana-related content should be covered up.

Earrings should be conservative in nature, such as simple studs or drop-earrings. Bright, loud, formal, and large hoops earrings should remain at home.

Expensive accessories should not be brought into court. This includes expensive watches, expensive jewelry, and designer handbags.

Women should also avoid distracting accessories, such as multiple bracelets/necklaces, sunglasses, scarves, and hats.

Women’s Hair and Makeup

Women do not need to style their hair in any particular way, however it should look presentable. This means it should be clean, brushed, and tidy in appearance.

Makeup, for women who normally wear it, should be both natural and conservative. Heavy eye makeup, such as colorful eyeshadow or extreme eyeliner and lashes, are discouraged.

As with hair and makeup, fingernails should be clean and conservative in color and shape.

A well put-together wardrobe can go a long way in making a good impression on the judge and can help you feel confident enough to put your best foot forward and hold your head high.

RIDEOUT LAW GROUP

With offices in Lake Havasu City and Scottsdale, our firm serves the entire state of Arizona, with a particular focus on criminal defense, family law, and juvenile cases.

Our goal is for the best outcome for your criminal case, which can include:

• charges that are reduced or dropped.
• top experts reviewing your case.
• aggressive negotiations with the prosecution for plea bargains.
• fines or probation in lieu of jail time.

At Rideout Law Group, our attorneys are able to expertly examine the evidence in your case to provide a strong strategy for argument that leads to an outcome that is most favorable to you. We have experience in all types of criminal cases for both adults and juveniles, with positive outcomes both in plea negotiations as well as jury trial settings.

Call us today for a free consultation at 480-584-3328.